Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Key Points
- Many children with lead poisoning have no symptoms.
- Even low levels of lead in the blood can lead to learning and behavioral problems.
- Getting your child tested is the best way to identify lead poisoning.
- Lead exposure symptoms can vary in children for many reasons, including the child's age and the source of lead exposure.
General Symptoms
Many children with lead poisoning have no symptoms. Symptoms of lead exposure in children include:
- Loss of appetite
- Poor growth
- Feeling constantly tired or irritable
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Joint pain and muscle weakness
- Headaches
High lead levels can cause confusion, seizures, coma, and death.
Age-Specific Symptoms
Lead exposure symptoms can vary based on a child's age. Younger children might show different signs than older children.
Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years):
Developmental Delays
Lead exposure in infants may lead to delays in reaching developmental milestones, such as sitting up, crawling, or walking.
Feeding Difficulties
Infants might experience difficulties with feeding, including problems with sucking or swallowing.
Preschoolers (3-6 years):
Speech and Language Issues
Lead exposure can contribute to delays in speech and language development, affecting the child's ability to communicate effectively.
Hyperactivity
Some preschoolers may exhibit increased levels of hyperactivity and have difficulty concentrating.
Reduced IQ
Long-term exposure during this critical developmental stage may result in a lower IQ.
Regular Check-Ups
Schedule regular check-ups for your child, even if they seem healthy. Routine blood tests can detect lead levels before symptoms show.
